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Talking Points from Super Rugby Round 4

Andre Esterhuizen score for the Sharks vs the Rebels

Shaun Goosen takes a look back this past weekend’s Super Rugby talking points. 

Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports

Sharks get job done

In spite of the absence of skipper Lukhanyo Am, Sean Everitt’s men put on another scintillating showing to batter the Rebels 24-36 in Melbourne. The Sharks’ scrum and lineout was much improved on Saturday, with their attack as incisive as ever. Makazole Mapimpi continued his impressive try-scoring rate with another double, while Madosh Tambwe again looked at home in the Durbanites’ back three as he bagged a score himself.

Coming up against the Reds this weekend, the Sharks will believe that a third W on tour is very much on the cards. They are arguably the best poised South African side having already notched up two wins in Australasia and will look to ride that momentum right through to the playoffs.

Clinical Stormers see off Jaguares

John Dobson’s Stormers really do seem to be the real deal this season. Without Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi, the Cape side nevertheless put in another terrific shift to totally shut down a multi-faceted Jaguares offence. Their 17-7 win at Newlands sets them up nicely for the Blues this weekend before they take a much-needed bye.

The real test for this team will be on their trip Down Under late on in the campaign. Until then, though, continuing to collect wins will only advance their claims to the SA conference title and, possibly, top spot overall.

Bulls continue losing run

The Pretoria-based franchise maintained their poor start to the season, slipping to a last-minute 21-23 loss to the Blues at home. With the Jaguares and Highlanders visiting Loftus Versfeld before they depart on their journey to the Antipodes, things are only going to get tougher for Pote Human’s charges.

If they don’t get their ducks in a row they run the risk of finishing among the basement-dwellers.


Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets

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